![]() They don’t always jump so make sure you get your binoculars on the hole quickly and look for eyes. I have had a flying squirrel pop out and soar right over my head only to land on another tree 30 feet away and quickly climb out of sight. This gives the tree’s residents the impression that something is climbing the tree and will at least draw a gaze from whoever is inside. Flying squirrels are easily distinguished by a gliding membrane, which is a flap of loose skin that extends from wrist to ankle. The next time you are in a heavily wooded area and come across a tree with a woodpecker hole in it, take a pine cone or stick and scrape up and down on the bark. If you would rather get a look at them during the day, here is a trick you can try. Like all squirrels, they prefer nuts and seeds. Small and nocturnal, flying squirrels can’t really fly but the excessive amount of skin that stretches from their forearms to the hind legs acts like a parachute when they launch themselves from a tree. We have also had reports of them on peanut feeders. This fine fellow is enjoying a meal of our Total Cuisine. ![]() Or, as in the Orr’s case, it is worth checking out your feeders at night. If you live in an area with lots of trees, it is worth keeping your eyes open and looking up when you take a moonlit evening stroll. Southern Flying Squirrels are not common in our area but they do occur. The Orr family of Parkville brought in this photo recently of a welcome furry visitor. Although many flying squirrels are born in large, communal aviaries they should be able to be tamed providing you are prepared to research and spend a regular amount of time with them.While most of my customers spend a lot of time and effort trying to keep squirrels out of their feeders, there are a few exceptions out there. Bonding to your flying squirrel is best done whilst young, and bonding pouches are very useful for this. They are very active and can bond quite closely with their owner. You will need a good bond with your flying squirrel to be able to capture them again, although some individuals may chose to return to their aviary if the door is simply left open.įlying Squirrels are a big commitment given they may live up to 15 years, need a large habitat, constant handling and any vet bills could be very high. Providing you have squirrel proofed your house, in much the same way as you would for a pair of Sugar Gliders then free-ranging your flying squirrels is recommended each night. See Flying Squirrel - Environment for more details.Ī Flying Squirrels Diet is less complicated that the more fruit-based sugar gliders, but still requires a varied range of seeds, nuts, fresh and protein and a calcium supplement.įlying Squirrels as pets are very active, curious little rodents who will enjoy exploring your house and you. A large aviary environment is ideal, although a very large viviarum could potentially be adapted by adding additional ventilation. ![]() Since distances have been recorded at up to 45m although between 5-25 is more normal, it is important to give these animals as much space as possible so your pet flying squirrels are happy. No pet should be obtained at the expense of wild populations.įlying Squirrels can glide using a furred membrane known as patagium which extends between the wrists of the front feet and the ankles of the hind feet. It has been suggested that this may be due to a need to breed communally, although some keepers have had success with 1:1 pairings.Īlthough not quite to the same extent as Jerboas it is important to source your squirrels carefully from reputable breeders and to avoid encouraging wild caught animals. The smaller Southern Flying Squirrels measure around 21-25cm and are more commonly seen for sale by private breeders although both have high price tags as not many seem to be breeding readily in the UK. Northern Flying Squirrels are the larger at 25-37 cm with dark belly hair tipped with white. They are both found in the wild in North America and have similar care requirements in captivity. The two species of New World flying squirrels are Southern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys volans) sometimes known as Eastern Flying Squirrels, and the less commonly seen Northern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus).
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